The 2021-22 season began as a nightmare for Barcelona and it took time for Xavi Hernandez to change things. The poor start to the campaign under Ronald Koeman took a toll on the team, as its weak Champions League performances eventually proved costly.
Xavi couldn't steer the ship on time before the competition's knockout stage and Barcelona finished third in Group E, one point shy of Benfica, following a humilliating defeat to Bayern Munich in the final matchday.
Therefore, the Catalans were shockingly dropped to the UEFA Europa League. Barcelona have previously played in this competition 10 times. Here, check out how Barcelona have done in this tournament so far.
When was the last time Barcelona played in the Europa League before the 2021-22?
Barcelona have clearly got used to playing in the continent's most prestigious tournament but they had played in Europe's second competition as well. However, we had to wait more than a decade to see that happen again.
Before the 2021-22, Barcelona have last played in the Europa League during the 2003-04 season, when the tournament was still called UEFA Cup and didn't include a group stage. That time, Barcelona were knocked out in the Round of 16 at the hands of Celtic. That has been the last time they played in a European cup that wasn't the Champions League.
When was the last time Barcelona were knocked out in the Champions League group stage before 2021-22?
The 2003-04 season saw Barca play Europa League soccer for the last time before this season but they didn't drop from the Champions League on that occasion. Los Cules have directly qualified to the UEFA Cup by finishing sixth in the 2002-03 La Liga.
The last time Barcelona were eliminated in the Champions League group stage before 2021-22 was in the 2000-01 season. The Spanish giants finished third in Group H with 8 points behind AC Milan (11) and Leeds United (9).
Have Barcelona ever won the Europa League?
Following their Champions League group stage exit in the 2000-01 campaign, Barcelona reached the Europa League's semifinals, which remains their best result in the competition. Barcelona have never won the Europa League so far.
Even though they won the Champions League on five occasions, El Blaugrana have also had to settle with Europa League soccer many times. Barcelona have played 79 UEL games. They won 40 times, drew in other 18 matches, and lost in 21 duels. After being relegated to the Europa League in the current season, Xavi's boys have the chance to bring this trophy home for the first time.
